In 1966, a group of citizens gathered with a vision of a natural space in the heart of the city; an escape from the growing urban sprawl, and a space where the community could connect and learn from nature. When an aging golf course in the heart of the city was due to be replaced with condos, the time had come to act. This project is expected to reach a little under 4,000 people over the next 12 months.

We have seen more and more children who come to VanDusen who are uncomfortable around plants and nature, which makes sense when some have never grown a plant of their own, harvested fresh fruits & vegetables, or simply put their hands in the earth. The Learning Garden gives back the simple joy of growing and all that it can teach us to a community which has seen an enormous move from houses with ample garden spaces, to condos and multi-family town houses.

This is a space where people of all ages can learn from and directly experience the wonders of growing your own plants. Our educators have already began to plan and deliver sessions not just on horticulture and biology, but on art, culture, Indigenous history, and climate change.

The simple act of growing, caring for, and harvesting plants can have a major impact on our lives and our community. It grounds people in the world around them, it is physically and mentally stimulating, it can teach us everything from biology to culture, and it inspires genuine care for the earth - something vital to the future wellbeing of our species.

- Next year marks the 50th anniversary of VanDusen Botanical Garden!
- There are over 8,000 unique species in the Gardens, and over 250 endangered species.
- We will provide education to over 12,000 people this year, and thanks to our donors, hundreds of those people from low income households will participate for free.

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